I really enjoyed this book! A few years ago, I read the first five books in The GardellThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I really enjoyed this book! A few years ago, I read the first five books in The Gardella Vampire Hunters series and loved them. As soon as I discovered that there was a spin-off series set during the Jazz Age, I made a mental note to circle back and read those books just as soon as I had the opportunity. Since I have a bit of flexibility in my reading schedule and a trial membership to Kindle Unlimited, it seemed that this would be the perfect time to get started reading these books.
Macey is the many times great granddaughter of Victoria from the initial 5 books and knows little about her family. She lives a simple life of working as a librarian during the day, renting her own room, and occasionally going out with friends in the evening. She comes across a book about venators (vampire hunters) and soon a whole new world opens up to her. She soon needs to make a decision about whether she wants to continue with life as she knew it before or if she wants to join the ranks of those fighting evil.
I liked Macey right away, probably not as much as Victoria, but that’s okay. This book was exciting and there was enough action to keep me glued to the pages. I felt bad for Macey because the situation that she found herself in was not of her making. The book did have the beginning of what I suspect will develop into a full fledged love triangle but I could be wrong. The 20’s Chicago setting was well done and I love the fact that Al Capone himself played a role in the story.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. You could probably start with this book since it is the first in the spin off series but I would recommend starting with the first book in the original series, The Rest Falls Away, if at all possible. Trust me, they are great and you don’t want to miss them! I cannot wait to read more of this exciting series!
Initial Thoughts Oh, this was fun! I really enjoyed the first 5 books in this series and have wanted to read this spin off series for several years. I liked the 20's setting and enjoyed getting to know this new cast of characters, along with one more familiar one. There was plenty of action and some twists that kept me glued to the pages. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
This was fantastic! I listened to the audiobook, wonderfully performed by Saskia MaarleThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was fantastic! I listened to the audiobook, wonderfully performed by Saskia Maarleveld, while following along in a print copy and loved every moment I spent with this epic story. This is a vampire story but it is a different kind of vampire story than what you might be used to. The story is told from Anna/Anya/Collette’s point of view both in the past and in the less distant past of 1984. This immortal woman has seen many things and has done more than a few things she struggles with. I found it easier than expected to empathize with this reluctant immortal.
This story takes us back to Anna’s childhood when her community is plagued by sickness. Anna is saved by her step-grandfather and eventually remade into an immortal. She leads a very lonely life at times but is able to connect with a few key individuals throughout her life. The chapters from Anna’s past are alternated with those from Collette’s more recent years where she runs an exclusive preschool. There is one boy and his family in particular that has captured her attention. She cares deeply even though the things she must do to survive sometimes may harm others. I couldn’t wait to see what she was drawn to and the choices that she would make. The story was beautifully written and at times impossible to put down.
Saskia Maarleveld was the perfect narrator for this story. She captured every aspect of this immortal character throughout the many stages of her long life. I thought that she also did a great job in bringing the secondary characters to life, some of which were children. I liked that she was able to bring out the emotional aspects of the story. I am certain that her performance added to my enjoyment of this wonderful story.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This is an epic story that took me on a journey that I will not soon forget. The writing pulled me into the story almost immediately. It is hard to believe that this is the author’s debut novel. I cannot wait to read more of her work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio....more
This was perfection! I can’t even explain how joyful I was to learn that we were gettinThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was perfection! I can’t even explain how joyful I was to learn that we were getting a new Kate Daniels story. I was so sad when the series ended but understood why it needed to end. The fact that the writing team of Ilona Andrews decided to bless us with a novella/short novel featuring these well-loved characters is nothing short of a dream come true. Of course, I dived into this just as soon as it made its way into my greedy hands and I can honestly tell you that it is even better than you think it will be.
Kate, Curran, and Conlan have moved to Wilmington and hope to live a quiet life. Obviously, this is never going to happen because Kate is Kate and Curran is Curran. When Kate finds out that a child is in danger, of course, she has to help. So much for staying under the radar. Kate leaves with the boy’s father on a rescue mission while Curran and Conlan get their home ready for the fallout. This story wasn’t long but it was a very full story with all of the awesomeness that I have come to expect from this fantastic series.
This book had all of the action and excitement that I had hoped it would. We get to see Kate, Curran, and even Conlan use just about all of their skills. It was great to see Kate and Curran as parents sharing life lessons with their son all while making their world a safer place. The secondary characters were very well-done and often added a bit of humor to the story. This book was everything that I dared to hope for. I am thrilled that we got this opportunity to see Kate, Curran, and even Conlan kick some ass. I hope that we don’t have to wait too long to see these characters again.
I received a digital review copy of this book from NYLA.
Initial Thoughts This was beyond fantastic! I was excited to learn that Ilona Andrews had written a new Kate Daniels story. I went in with incredibly high expectations and I was not disappointed. Kate, Curran, and Conlan have moved to Wilmington and are hoping to stay under the radar. Of course, that will not happen as soon as Kate learns that someone needs her help. This story was incredibly exciting with plenty of magic and action. This is a story that I am sure I will read again at some point in the future....more
This was great! Did I pick this book up because of the cover? You know I did. But it waThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was great! Did I pick this book up because of the cover? You know I did. But it wasn’t the cover that kept me glued to the pages, that credit goes to the story contained within its pages. I liked Caro and Max right from the start and couldn’t wait to see them finally figure out a way to work things out and find their happily ever after.
Caro and Max grew up spending their summers together. Things changed in their teenage years when they fell in love. They eventually became engaged but then life threw a curve ball their way and things fell apart. That was 14 years ago. Max is going back to the town of Cruickshank to help his grandmother, Ava, get her house ready to sell and ends up back in Caro’s orbit. It doesn’t take long to tell that the spark between them is still there.
Caro and Max were both great characters but this book was really full of great characters. There were quite a few secondary characters that were well-fleshed out and added a lot to the overall story. And the dogs! With the cute dog on the cover, I would have been disappointed if the book didn’t have at least one dog. I had nothing to worry about. Caro works with a rescue group and fosters dogs so she usually has a dog with her but there were really quite a few dogs that were a part of this story and I love how they each had their own distinct personalities.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. Caro and Max were fantastic characters that had great chemistry together. They really did deserve a second chance and I am glad that I was able to see them get it. There were some heartbreaking and touching moments in this wonderful story. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this talented author.
I received a review copy of this book from Avon Books....more
I liked this book quite a bit and thought it was really original. This is only the secoThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I liked this book quite a bit and thought it was really original. This is only the second time I have picked up a Grady Hendrix book, but it will definitely not be my last. I was hooked by this story and couldn’t wait to find out what was happening in this house. I really loved the fact that there is a thread of humor woven throughout the book. This was definitely one of those books that could be almost impossible to set aside.
When Louise learns that her parents have died, she goes to California to help her brother Mark settle the estate. To say that I didn’t care for Mark at the beginning of this book is a huge understatement. Louise and Mark clash over just about every decision regarding their parents’ death, funeral, and how to deal with their belongings. Mark wants to get rid of everything and sell the house as soon as possible but it quickly becomes obvious that something more sinister than a bunch of dolls is going on in the house. But if you are looking for creepy dolls….this book is full of those!
I really liked the way that the relationship between Louise and Mark grows and changes over the course of the story. It was great seeing them work together as a team. There were some pretty intense scenes in this book and I have to admit that one scene made me cringe a bit which rarely happens. I was very curious about how everything would be resolved and I was impressed by just how satisfying the ending was.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Jay Aaseng and Mikhaila Aaseng did a great job with the story. The bulk of the book was read by the female narrator which made sense since most of the book is from Louise’s point of view. I thought that they both did a great job of bringing these characters to life. I definitely believe that the narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would recommend this book to others. The story was a little different than I expected but that wasn’t a bad thing. I was completely entertained by this story from beginning to end and am quite relieved that my mother’s home is not full of creepy dolls. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work soon.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio.
Initial Thoughts I liked the story for the most part and thought that it was really original. I liked seeing how much Louise's relationship with her brother Mark changes over the course of the story. I appreciated the humor that was worked into the plot. I thought that this book filled with family secrets, puppets, and just the right amount of creepiness was an overall good time. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrators did a fantastic job with the story....more
I really liked this book! I have read 2 of Emma Lord’s previous books and really enjoyeThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I really liked this book! I have read 2 of Emma Lord’s previous books and really enjoyed them so I was eager to give this book a try. Once I started listening to this audiobook, I was quickly hooked. Andie and her two grandmothers were easy to like with their snack cakes and determination to make friends. I couldn’t wait to watch Andie in her new college environment and I kind of wanted to help her find all the ribbons that she needed.
Andie was pretty easy to like right from the start. I loved the way she didn’t hesitate to go after what she wanted. What she needed to work on was putting her needs above what others were demanding of her. I liked all of the characters that we meet at Blue Ridge State, especially Milo, Shay, and Valeria. Andie was very lucky to be paired with a roommate that was such a good fit and it was great to see her really find her people. I thought that her family issues were addressed rather well.
I believe that this is the first time that I have listened to Georgina Sadler’s narration and I thought that she did great with this story. I thought that the voices that she used for the various characters really helped to bring the story to life. It was just so easy to slip inside this wonderful story for hours at a time. I do believe that the narrator’s performance added to my enjoyment of this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I love that this book dealt with so many important topics, such as grief and learning to put yourself first, and did it in an incredibly entertaining manner. I do hope to read more of this author’s work very soon.
I received a digital review copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Young Listeners....more
I really enjoyed this book! I love a good spooky story so the idea of a book written abThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I really enjoyed this book! I love a good spooky story so the idea of a book written about a TV show out hunting ghosts sounded just like my thing. Once I started reading, I was not happy when it was time to set the book down and go to work because I could have easily read for hours. The book is told through journal entries, transcripts, and other documents which worked very well and gave the reader an idea of what each member of the team was thinking or feeling at any given moment. The story definitely kept me guessing and the surprises just never stopped. I am so glad that I decided to pick up this book!
Matt, Claire, Jessica, Kevin, and Jake are all a part of the Fade to Black team that is filming its 13th episode at Foundation House. Each member of the team plays an important role in the show and they are hoping for something big to happen to help secure a second season. As I worked my way through this book, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what might happen next. I loved how imaginative the story was and I thought that the creepy vibes were off the charts.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I tend to be a fan of books written in the epistolary style of writing and this book was no exception. I hope to check out other books written by this talented author.
I received a review copy of this book from Redhook Books....more
I enjoyed this book! This is only the second book written by Steven Rowley that I have This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I enjoyed this book! This is only the second book written by Steven Rowley that I have read and I have really liked both of them. This book focuses on a group of college friends that make a pact to host each other’s funerals while they are alive to appreciate it after losing one of their friends. They get together at various points in their lives, usually when one is experiencing a crisis, to do just that. I loved the focus on friendship and mortality.
I really liked the idea of this group’s living funerals. I don’t remember everything from the time around my dad’s sudden death at a young age but I do remember thinking how much he would have liked to be there to talk to everyone. We get to see these characters at different points in time and I loved how they were there for each other even after spending years apart.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Mr. Rowley did a fantastic job of reading his novel. I have to admit that I am always a bit worried when I see that an author has made the choice to narrate their own book. Not all authors are good narrators but I thought that this author was able to bring the story to life with ease. I do believe that his narration only added to my overall enjoyment.
I would recommend this book to others. I found it to be a compelling story driven by a colorful cast of characters and the bond between them. I hope to read more of this author’s work very soon.
I received a review copy of this book from G.P Putnam’s Sons and Penguin Random House Audio....more
This was really just a whole lot of fun! I liked Vera from the start (but I must admit This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was really just a whole lot of fun! I liked Vera from the start (but I must admit that I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have her as a mother!). The story was funny and I didn’t want to stop reading once I started. It’s been a long time since a book made me laugh out loud, so I am happy to report that I did just that while reading this book. This was an excellent introduction to Jesse Q. Sutanto’s writing.
Vera lives alone in an apartment above her tea shop. She calls her adult son frequently and opens her tea shop on time daily knowing that she won’t get many customers. She lives a routine life until she finds a dead body in the tea shop. Since she knows that the police won’t solve the murder, she takes matters into her own hands. She soon befriends those tied to the victim and they start to grow close, even as she investigates them for the murder. I really loved all of the characters and adored the found family they created together. The mystery itself was able to keep me guessing until the very end.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Eunice Wong really took the story to the next level. She did such a great job of bringing Vera to life. I think that she did a great job with all of the character voices and she was able to bring the humor out with her narration. I am certain that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this story.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This story had the perfect combination of great characters, humor, heartfelt moments, and an engaging mystery. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work very soon.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio....more
I had a great time with this book! After finding himself in the hospital for panic attaThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I had a great time with this book! After finding himself in the hospital for panic attacks, Teagan is talked into going to a wilderness rehab by his sister, Sloane, who also is attending. Teagan has no desire to attend of the activities so he spends his day working alongside Darcy. Darcy and Teagan soon form a bond and I thought that there were good for each other.
I really liked Darcy and Teagan. They had fantastic chemistry together and really seemed to be meant for each other if they could each figure out their individual issues. The story did have a bit of a different feel during the second half of the book but I found it equally enjoyable. I did wish that they would have been more honest and listened to each other a little better but they did eventually learn and I enjoyed seeing the growth of their characters.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Savannah Peachwood did a fantastic job with the audio. I found the narrator’s voice to be very pleasant and I loved the fact that she was able to bring this cast of characters to life. I thought that she did a great job with both the male and female characters’ voices. I do believe that the narrator’s performance added to my enjoyment of the story.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a fun story filled with great characters that I wanted to see find a way to a forever together. I do hope to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio....more
This was fun! I have been having a great time working my way through the Southern GhostThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was fun! I have been having a great time working my way through the Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries series and I was not disappointed by this installment. This is the sixth book in the series and while it could probably be read as a stand-alone the series is perhaps best read in order since the relationships between the characters have evolved over the course of the series.
Verity and Ellis try to take a little vacation by going away on the Sugarland Express. Things get more complicated when Frankie talks her into tagging along, not to mention her pesky ex-fiance, a ghost train, and a bit of murder. Verity has plenty of things to worry about not just in the real world but also on the ghostly plane. I had fun watching Verity try to figure everything out and I loved the fact that the mystery was able to keep me guessing.
Tavia Gilbert continues to do an excellent job with the narration of this series. I am a big fan of her narration and I really do enjoy all of the various voices that she uses in reading the story to help bring it to life. She adds just enough excitement and emotion to the narration to keep me glued to my headphones. She has become the voice of Verity and I couldn’t imagine experiencing this story in any other way.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This is a fun paranormal cozy mystery with characters that are easy to love and a mystery that kept me guessing I cannot wait to read the next book in this entertaining series.
I really enjoyed this book! This is the second book in the Blood Fae Druid series and IThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I really enjoyed this book! This is the second book in the Blood Fae Druid series and I would definitely recommend reading the series in order since this book builds on the events from the first book. I have grown to really like this group of characters and the world that they live in. I am so glad that I decided to give this series a try.
This book had all of the action and excitement that I hoped it would. Lane and Teddy’s relationship took a more pivotal role in this story and there are some pretty big developments in that area early in the novel. I have to say that I adore Teddy! Even when he knows what might be best for Lane, he has learned to let her come to those decisions on her own. It was great to see all of the characters working towards a common goal once again even if I was a bit worried about how things might turn out.
This story is told from Lane’s point of view and I really like her character. She is stubborn and sometimes decides to do things the hard way but she is also incredibly loyal and will never give up on those she cares about. I found her to be rather resourceful and I have really enjoyed watching her magic grow as she learns to fully use all of her abilities. I love the fact that the story has a thread of humor woven throughout the story which helped make reading the book a fun experience.
I would definitely recommend this series to fans of urban fantasy. I found this to be an incredibly entertaining story filled with an amazing cast of characters. I cannot wait to read more of this fantastic series!
I received a digital review copy of this book from the author....more
I liked this one but I thought that it could be hard to follow at times. After quickly This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I liked this one but I thought that it could be hard to follow at times. After quickly getting lost while listening to the audiobook, I decided to start over and listen to the book while following along in my print copy which worked very well for me. There are a lot of characters and quite a few flashbacks to an earlier time so it is a lot to keep straight. I did enjoy the book quite a bit and was eager to see how everything would be connected.
The book opens a few years in the past with Katie telling her brother to walk home by himself so she could hang out with her boyfriend. When she gets home, her brother has been attacked and his life will soon spiral out of control. Then we meet Detective Laurence Page as he begins to investigate the murder of an older man which raises a lot of questions. Katie will do whatever it takes to keep her brother safe while the detective is determined to find out what really happened.
I believe that this is the first time that I have had the chance to listen to Rosalie Craig’s narration and I thought that she did a great job with the story. I found her voice to be very pleasant and easy to listen to for long periods of time. Even though I thought that the narrator did a good job with the story, I believe that this is one that might be best read in another format due to the complexity of the story.
I would recommend this book to others. Once I got into the story, I was hooked. I found the story to be incredibly interesting and exciting. I couldn’t wait to see how everything would turn out in the end. I look forward to reading more of Alex North’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio....more
This was the first time that I have read any of William Landay’s work and I must say thThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was the first time that I have read any of William Landay’s work and I must say that really enjoyed this one. This is the story of a mother who vanished, leaving her 3 children clueless about what really happened. I found the very beginning of the story to be rather slow but once things picked up I had a hard time setting the book aside. I felt bad for the family members left behind when Jane vanished.
This book is told from several points of view at different points in time. The book opens with a writer telling this family’s story. Did Jane leave on her own or was she killed? Many people think that Jane was murdered by her husband, a well-known defense attorney, who maintains his innocence. Jane had three children and we get to see just how big of an impact the loss of their mother was on the youngest two, Jeff and Miranda. As the book moves forward in time, there are some pretty big developments and I really loved how the story kept me guessing until the very end.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a really compelling novel with enough surprises to keep the pages turning. I appreciated the fact that there were quite a few surprises worked into the story. I hope to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group....more
Well, this was exciting! I have enjoyed all of the books that Chanel Cleeton has writteThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
Well, this was exciting! I have enjoyed all of the books that Chanel Cleeton has written featuring women of Cuban heritage. This book had a bit of a different feel taking place on a cruise ship with enough excitement to qualify as a thriller. Catherine and Elena were both great characters and I loved that there were some pretty big surprises worked into the story. This was a fast-paced story that I found impossible to set aside once I started reading.
Catherine is accompanying her fiance and his young daughter on a round-trip cruise on the SS Morro Castle. Catherine isn’t the heiress that her future husband believes her to be and it isn’t long before she realizes her life is at risk. She ends up teaming up with Harry, a jewel thief, to discover who is behind the attempts on her life. Elena is aboard the same ship. Everyone believes her to be dead and she is determined to make her plan work.
I really enjoyed seeing these stories come together and I loved that there was plenty of excitement along the way. I loved the fact that there was enough romance worked around the action to keep things very interesting. I am always looking for a book that is able to surprise me and I am happy to report that some of the twists in this story did exactly that.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrators did a phenomenal job with the story. I thought that Frankie Corzo and Rachel L. Jacobs both did a great job of bringing this story to life. Their voices complimented each other very nicely and I thought that they did a great job of adding just the right amount of emotion to the story. I am certain that their narration added to my enjoyment of this novel.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This was an exciting story filled with great characters and just the right amount of romance. I cannot wait to read more of this talented author’s work.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio....more
I loved this book! Absolutely loved it! It’s been a long time since I picked up a romanThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I loved this book! Absolutely loved it! It’s been a long time since I picked up a romance that just worked for me on every level as this one did. Lana and Seth were both absolutely fantastic characters and I loved the way they were with each other. I love a good second-chance romance and I definitely feel like Lana and Seth deserved to get a chance to try again. I am so glad that I decided to give this book a try.
Lana is at a low point after the proposal that she thought she was getting turns out to be a breakup. She decides to stop jumping from boyfriend to boyfriend and stay single for a bit. She may write a relationship column but she knows that she needs to work on herself. Imagine her surprise to walk into her office to find her ex-boyfriend from high school. To make matters worse, they are paired up to compete for the one job that they both want.
Lana and Seth had fantastic chemistry and I felt like they really belonged together. They did have a few issues to resolve and I really appreciated the way that things were handled in the story. I hated that their boss had them competing against each other and that the competition was so incredibly personal. I really did feel like they understood each other and I loved watching them grow closer throughout the story.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Tegan Ashton Cohan did a fantastic job with this story. I loved the voices that she used for both the male and female characters. Once I started listening, I was completely captivated by the story and had a hard time setting the book aside. I do believe that her narration added to my enjoyment of this delightful story.
I would recommend this book to others. This book was full of great characters, a lot of laughs, some swoon-worthy moments, and some moments that touched my heart. I will definitely be reading more of this talented author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Penguin Random House Audio....more
I loved this book! Once I started reading this book, I found it impossible to put it doThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I loved this book! Once I started reading this book, I found it impossible to put it down. I liked this installment even more than the first book in the series. The mystery kept me guessing until very close to the end. I think that the way that the time travel aspect of the story is handled is rather unique and incredibly well done. This story entertained me from beginning to end.
I like how Mallory handles the situation that she has found herself in and doesn’t try to change her environment to accommodate her. Mallory, Gray, and the other key characters are intelligent and easy to like. I wanted to see things go well for them as they worked to solve the case. Mallory’s knowledge of the future is the key to solving this crime and I love the fact that Gray trusts her knowledge, although it seems like she should be the one in charge if only that time in history would allow it.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Kate Handford did an excellent job bringing this story to life. I found her voice to be incredibly pleasant and enjoyed the voices that she used for the various characters. I thought that she added just the right amount of excitement to her reading and I found myself wanting to listen to the book for hours at a time. I am certain that her narration added to my enjoyment of this wonderful story.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to others. This is the second book in the A Rip in Time series which I would recommend reading in order. This well-written book was filled with fantastic characters, a mystery that kept me guessing, and a vivid setting. I cannot wait to read more of this entertaining series.
I received a review copy of this book from Minotaur Books and St. Martin’s Press....more
This was a really sweet romance! This book made its way into my hands quite by chance sThis review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was a really sweet romance! This book made its way into my hands quite by chance so I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did because the story was delightful. My first experience with Miranda Liasson’s writing was definitely a good one. I had no idea that this book was part of a series until I sat down to write this review so I can assure readers that this book works perfectly well as a stand-alone story.
Jack and Juliette were great together, although it took them some time to figure that out. Juliette is just starting out as a counselor in her hometown where everyone knows her history so she is questioned about her ability to give relationship advice after a few failed engagements. Jack is the town’s mayor and needs some help dealing with the people in town. Juliette ends up helping Jack out as the new town counselor and through working together they find that they are more compatible than they ever would have imagined.
I enjoyed watching Jack and Juliette fall for each other even though the romance seemed to move fairly slowly at times but that is just because they were both trying to be very careful. I thought that they had great chemistry together and I loved the fact that they had a lot of family support. The secondary characters in this story were very well done and added a lot to the story.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This was a charming small-town romance with an unforgettable cast of characters. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Entangled: Amara.
Initial Thoughts This was a really sweet romance! Jack and Juliette were great together, although it took them some time to figure that out. The supporting cast of characters added a lot to the story and I love that there were some funnier moments worked into the plot. ...more
This was a fun thriller that kept me guessing! The story opens at a Memorial Day block This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was a fun thriller that kept me guessing! The story opens at a Memorial Day block party and we know that someone is killed but we don’t know who the victim is, who the killer is, or any of the motives. We then go back in time to the year before to find out exactly what happened on this cul-de-sac during the fateful year leading up to the murder. I found this to be incredibly entertaining and hard to put down.
The story is told from two points of view, Alex, a middle age woman who always seems to have a glass of wine in her hand, and Lettie, her 18-year-old daughter. The group of characters that live on this street have a lot of things going on and I couldn’t wait to see how things would play out. As the pieces started falling into place and the murder drew nearer, I became more and more hooked by this story. There were a few surprises worked into the story that helped to keep things very interesting.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrators did a great job with the story. Megan Tusing and Suzy Jackson both did an excellent job of bringing this story to life. I enjoyed the various voices that they used to represent all of the characters in this cul-de-sac. I thought that they added just the right amount of emotion to their reading. I do believe that their narration only added to my overall enjoyment.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was an entertaining and exciting thriller with enough twists and turns to the pages turning quickly. I plan to keep an eye out for future works by this talented author.
I received a review copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio....more
I really enjoyed this book! Ruby Spencer quits her job as a food writer and moves to a This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I really enjoyed this book! Ruby Spencer quits her job as a food writer and moves to a small Scottish town to write a cookbook. It doesn’t take too long before she becomes captivated by the small town of Thistlecross not to mention the local handyman, Brochan. Between the romance, the food, the whiskey, and the setting, I found a lot to love in this entertaining story.
I liked Ruby and Brochan together and thought that the chemistry between them was very well done and I appreciated the fact that Ruby and Brochan are in their mid to later thirties. Ruby seemed to fit into the small town right away and I really liked all of the characters in town. My favorite parts of the book were when Ruby and Brochan were alone. They really did just seem like they were meant to be and I was very invested in seeing things work out for them.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Nikki Massoud did a great job with the story. I loved the various voices and accents that she used for the characters. I thought that she did a great job with both the male and female voices and I found her voice to be very pleasant. I loved that the emotion of the story was expressed in her narration. I feel like her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would not hesitate to recommend this story to others. I found this to be a wonderful story full of fantastic characters that I found hard to put down. I hope to read more of this talented author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio....more
Loading...
